One of TRU’s favorite known unknowns MC RUKUS recenly teamed up with producer J-Slikk to bring us an EP of raw lyrics over dusty beats. The first thing that drew my attention to Chasing Cars was the album cover. It’s like a lo-fi version of the sort of artwork you’d expect from The Roots. Pop the lid for a detailed breakdown of the concept from the horse’s mouth. A download link awaits ye. Read the rest of this entry »

Rukus – Slow It Down (Ft. Soulbrotha)
Produced by: J-Slikk

Ruk spits a mean verse about taking a deep breath, while Soulbrotha gets his soulful crooning on. My only gripe is that it’s too short. Enjoy.

Rukus – “Fame” [Download MP3]

“Wa’nt nothin’ strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with.” — Al “Let Me Fix My Perm” Sharpton

If you heard those words and secretly wished that someone would translate it into song format, consider your prayers answered. This is the most compelling MJ tribute I’ve heard and it’s not even an MJ tribute.

Rukus – “Life of A Star” [Produced by: J Slikk]

Ruk went in on this one. It’s either the AC or this dusky joint really gave me goose bumps the first time I heard it.

Says Rukus: “With all the blending of the hip hop genre with r&b I wanted to work on a project that’s more gritty and gets back to just rhyming. What better than to rap over J Slikk’s dusty beats. This is the first in a series.”

Rukus feat. Naira & Soulbrotha – “Diva” (Remix)
Soulbrotha, Naira, and Rukus make a toasty Beyonce sandwich. All patty, no cheese.

Rukus (Ft. Soulbrotha) – I’m Nigerian

Rukus and Soulbrotha wax poetic about survival of the fittest, while repping their Nigerian heritage. This is the best sampling of Lil Wayne’s voice I’ve heard in a long time.